TRADITIONAL DENTAL TREATMENTS IN ANCIENT ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS

Ancient Asian civilizations developed diverse dental treatments that combined herbal medicine, mechanical interventions, and ritualistic practices. Societies in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia utilized plant-based remedies, chewing sticks, and early prosthetic devices to maintain oral health and treat dental diseases. This study examines traditional dental treatments across ancient Asia, drawing on historical texts, archaeological findings, and bioarchaeological evidence. Results show that these treatments were guided by empirical observation and cultural beliefs, often achieving moderate effectiveness in pain relief and hygiene maintenance. Understanding these traditional practices illuminates the historical foundations of dentistry in Asia and their influence on modern preventive and therapeutic approaches.